The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
completed
its third year of data collection in 1986 (1,2). During 1986, data
on
the prevalence of health behaviors and practices were collected
from
34,395 adults (persons greater than or equal to 18 years of age)
in
25 states and the District of Columbia. Telephone interviews were
conducted monthly using random-digit dialing techniques and
standard
questionnaires and procedures developed jointly by the state health
departments and CDC (3,4). The results presented here are weighted
to
account for the age, race, and sex distribution of adults in each
state as well as for the respondent's probability of selection.
They
are, therefore, representative of the adult population of each
participating state.

The rates of self-reported risk factors for cardiovascular
disease
varied by state (Table 1). The prevalence of overweight varied
almost
twofold, from a low of 16.5% to a high of 28.7% of the adult
population. Similarly, the prevalence of sedentary lifestyle
varied
from 48.0% to 72.2%. In addition, the prevalence of cigarette
smoking
varied almost twofold, from 18.2% to 34.7%.

Editorial Note

Editorial Note: The prevalence of self-reported behavioral risk
factors varies markedly from state to state. This variability is,
in
part, a result of the social, cultural, and economic heterogeneity
of
the states surveyed. Some of the observed differences in risk
factors
may also be due to differences in trends over time. For example,
between 1984 and 1986, all of the 15 states collecting data during
both years reported a decline in the percentage of the population
that
failed to use seat belts. However, the magnitude of the decline
varied widely, from 6% to 41%.

The data presented here represent only selected risk factors
taken
from the 1986 BRFSS. Additional information was collected on high
blood pressure treatment and nonpharmacologic practices; physical
activity during leisure time; dieting practices; attempts at
smoking
cessation; smokeless tobacco use; and wine, beer, and liquor use.
In
addition, many participating states asked health-related questions
of
particular interest to their state.

The differences among states in the rates of these risk factors
and health practices demonstrate the value of state-specific data.
State health departments can use the data to set health objectives
and/or develop a state health plan. They can also be used to
support
legislation on such issues as clean indoor air and seat belt use
and
to inform the public about the status and importance of personal
health practices. In cooperation with these state efforts,
risk-factor-specific reports using data from the BRFSS will be
published in upcoming issues of the MWRR.

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